SYDNEYThe morning sun, a golden orb ascending the azure canvas of the sky, heralded the day of destiny. It bathed the ancient altar in a soft, ethereal glow, illuminating the intricate carvings etched into the weathered stone. Each groove told a story, a testament to the lineage that had endured for centuries. Flowers, plucked from the enchanted heart of the forest, adorned the altar in a riot of colors and fragrances. Their petals seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light as if touched by the very spirits that dwelled within these sacred woods. The air was heavy with their scent, mingling with the earthy aroma of moss-covered stones. As I stood before the altar, a sense of reverence washed over me. This hallowed ground had borne witness to countless ceremonies, each imbued with the weight of tradition. The symbols etched into the stone seemed to pulse with a quiet power, connecting me to the legacy of my ancestors. Beside me, Sebastian stood tall, a pillar of strength in the sea

SEBASTIANThe grand ballroom, adorned in gilded splendor, emanated an air of regal opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung like constellations, casting prismatic rainbows upon the polished marble floors. Silk draperies billowed in the gentle breeze, caressing the marble statues that stood sentinel along the walls. Laughter and music swirled through the air, an intoxicating elixir that enlivened the senses. Yet, amidst this tableau of extravagance, a discordant note pierced through the harmony. There, amidst the sea of dancers, stood Romeo—uninvited, unwelcome. His presence was a smudge upon the canvas of my meticulously curated gathering. I could feel the weight of his insolent gaze as it bore into the heart of my celebration. A sardonic smirk danced upon his lips, his eyes alight with a sinister mirth. He moved with an almost predatory grace, weaving through the crowd like a wisp of shadow. His destination was unmistakable—Sydney, my Luna, the jewel of my existence. To see her subjected t

SYDNEYI stood at the bathroom sink, the rhythmic splashes of warm water providing a soothing counterpoint to the day's chaos. When I opened my eyes, a brilliant flash of crimson seized my attention. Nestled on my left wrist, a vivid thread bracelet seemed to glow against my skin. Its delicate pattern invited my touch, each weaving a tantalizing clue to a memory just beyond my grasp. I knew, without a doubt, that I hadn't tied it myself. So, who had? Intent on seeking answers from Sebastian, I turned to leave. But then, my reflection in the mirror held me captive, and suddenly, I wasn't in the bathroom anymore. Gone were the cold tiles and sterile porcelain, replaced by the warm embrace of a wooden cabin. Sunlight danced through the cracks in the aged beams, painting playful patterns on the worn floorboards. Three children stood before me, their laughter a symphony of innocence, their eyes wide with wonder. A man and a woman, their faces radiant with a love that seemed to transcend ti

SYDNEYThe dining room exuded an air of quiet opulence, draped in rich velvets and adorned with glistening crystal chandeliers. The long, polished table stretched out before me, a grand tapestry of fine china and delicate silverware. Candles, tall and slender, stood like sentinels, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. Their flickering dance seemed to mirror the ebb and flow of the secrets that hung in the air. As I settled into my chair, the plush upholstery embraced me, its deep burgundy hue a testament to the craftsmanship that had gone into every detail of this room. The weight of the evening's encounters clung to me like a shroud, settling in the marrow of my bones. The councilwoman's presence had been an enigma, her words laden with hidden meaning. I couldn't quite shake the feeling of unease that had settled in my chest, a heavy, persistent ache. My gaze fell to the red thread encircling my wrist, a vivid ribbon against the canvas of my skin. It pulsed with inexplicable

SEBASTIAN The outskirts of our territories lay cloaked in a shroud of darkness, an eerie stillness settling over the land. Each step I took seemed to echo through the silent expanse, a stark reminder of the gravity of the matter at hand. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it the weight of unspoken words. As I approached the designated meeting point, I spotted him. Romeo, a formidable figure even in the shadows, leaned against the sleek frame of his car. His posture exuded an air of calculated confidence, a stark contrast to the tension that hung in the air. He glanced up as I approached, eyes sharp and calculating. The moonlight caught the edges of his features, casting them in sharp relief. There was no warmth in his gaze, no hint of camaraderie. We were two predators, meeting on neutral ground, united only by a name—Dahlia."Romeo," I acknowledged my tone cool and composed. He responded with a nod, acknowledging my presence without a word. The gravity of our shared